Youth should be more involved in anti-corruption campaigns in the country since they are the future leaders, Local Government Minister Francis Kaboneka said.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of anti-corruption week-long campaign on Wednesday, in Kigali, Kaboneka said corruption can be uprooted as long as there is political will.

He said, "We need the youth, who are the future generation to be aware of the dangers of corruption. It is a taboo because it retards community and country’s development.”

The campaign was held under the theme, "Fight Corruption for a sustainable development.”

The Transparency International Rwanda Bribery Index 2015, released this week, indicates that readiness to report corruption is low in the country.

In the last six years, about 5 per cent of people seeking service paid a bribe, while 2.5 per cent reported paying a bribe when seeking water or electricity-related services, it said.

This year, 18 per cent of those encountering corruption reported it.

Speaking at the same event, Aloysie Cyanzayire, the Ombudsman, called for collaboration to fight against corruption.

She urged the community to report graft cases to nearest police stations or other authorities to stem the vice.

"Fighting corruption is not only Government’s responsibility but the community’s as well because most of the times they fall victims when asked to pay for a service, which is meant to be free.

‘‘Many people complain of falling victims but fail to report the suspects. We, therefore, call for collaboration with the community to check corruption,” she said.

Records from the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) indicate that corruption crimes have been increasing since 2013, when 143 cases were received in 2013/14 , increasing to 411 cases in 2014/15, while 88 cases were received between July and September this year.

But Richard Muhumuza, the Prosecutor General, insists the figures are expected to decrease with the ongoing amendment of the Penal Code.

Anti-corruption clubs, district councils awarded

At the event, best performing district councils and anti-corruption clubs were awarded for their outstanding efforts to fight graft in the community.

Rusizi District’s Campagne des Jeunes pour un Developement Durable (CAJEDED) claimed the first spot with 86 per cent, Club Umuhuza (75 per cent) from Rwamagana, became the first runners-up, while Rubavu’s Student Unit Parent for Humanity Education (75 per cent), came in third. They walked away with a laptop each and a certificate of appreciation.

The first three district councils also received similar rewards.

Rulindo claimed first spot with 74 per cent, Rubavu (72 per cent) and Nyamagabe (71 per cent) claimed the second and third spots respectively.

Ruhango, (29th), and Karongi (30th), were rated mediocre in the fight against corruption and injustice.

Cyanzayire urged all districts to put in more effort, not for the purpose of winning awards but to build a corruption free country.

She also urged authorities to work closer to the community to strengthen collaboration with the volunteering youth, by supporting them to deliver on their anti- corruption objectives.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw